Getting ready for the Star Trek Cruise

I am getting ready for my second Star Trek cruise and I am going to share my experience on what to expect, and what to pack.

Coping with Cruise Anxiety

This time we booked at the very last minute; the first time I had more than a year to plan and organize, which soothed my anxiety. It made it easier to leave my comfort zone, I fear the unexpected and I worry about it. Like Saru, I was born ready to flee and I am always prepared for a predator. Before the first cruise, I read about the Sinking of the Lusitania, and the Zika outbreak; fortunately, torpedoes are unlikely and in winter there are no mosquitoes. I still worry about the political instability in Honduras (one of the ports during this trip) and I noticed the U.S. State Department site has a yellow travel advisory in place.

The other weird thing I did before going last year, was to refresh my table manners. I read some etiquette books to be comfortable sharing our dinner table with others without feeling like too much of a Klingon. I think feeling up-to date with human protocols worked for me to ease my social awkwardness.

I also paid special attention to the panelists attending, I read about them and decided I was interested in some of their publications. I took one of the books I previously purchased online and after the panel I asked for an autograph, I am now the proud owner of an autographed copy of Star Trek and Physics by Dr. Lawrence Krauss.

If you have never cruised before, remember to make time to rest and relax; although it is true that going to unfamiliar places and facing new experiences is nerve racking, we must boldly go, and I assure you this risky business of vacationing is worth it! My experience interacting with everyone was amazing, all the cruise-goers will be fun, kind, polite and eager to enjoy Risa. Keep in mind though, it is a massive vessel, and there are many of us sharing the same space, long lines, and unavoidable waiting is to be expected. What you need to pack the most is patience, for others, for the crew, for yourself!

If you are flying to Florida, from abroad or from another state, arrive a day earlier to Miami to avoid delays due to winter storms, also become familiar with TSA rules: the same rules apply for the cruise ship. Check what not to pack in your carry-on here.

In addition, weapon prop replicas are not allowed on board, so leave your phasers and Bat’leths home.

Embarking

A day prior to sailing, at the Hilton Miami Airport, there is a Meet-and-Greet organized by a Star Trek Facebook cruise group. I attended last time and I am planning to go this time again; it was a fun, very packed informal meeting where I met two wonderful Trekkies and hosts of another amazing Star Trek podcast, “The Starboard Power Coupling” (mature content).  Matt and Ken were great, and as a fan of their podcast I can’t wait to see them again next year!

The day of embarking, your luggage tags with your name and cabin number need to be attached to your suitcase. When you get to the port you will encounter a somewhat hectic process, a porter will take your luggage and they will deliver it to your cabin later. It is customary to tip the porter. Keep your carry-on bag with your valid passport, valuables, and whatever you need during the first hours on the ship with you, since you will not have access to your cabin immediately after boarding, nor to your luggage for a couple of hours. Carry a light jacket, your medicine, your cell phone and charger, and your swimsuit if you are planning to go to the hot tubs or swimming pools.

Be ready for long lines during the process of checking in, besides showing your tickets and passport, you need to get a picture ID issued by the cruise line. You need to look like your normal, human self, that’s why no face paint, prosthetics or Vulcan ears are permitted. There are a couple of hours you will spend waiting before embarking – I am taking a book or if I recognize someone from the previous night’s Meet-and Greet maybe we will just talk!

Next, groups will be called to embark. On the ship you will be allowed to certain areas (not to your cabin yet). This is a great time to get something to eat (food is included with your fare, except specialty dining) or something to drink (alcoholic drinks are not included with your fare,; you get charged per drink and pay it with your cruise ID card at the end of your trip).

Getting Around

I used this free time to walk around and familiarize myself with the “boat” (as seasoned cruise goers call this massive vessel) these are useful terms to find your way: Aft/forward: The back of the ship is aft and the front of the ship is forward. These terms are used as adjectives, such as “aft balcony cabins” or “Ten forward.” Bow/stern: The front part of the ship is called the bow, while the back is is called the stern. Muster drill/muster station: A muster drill is a mandatory event where passengers assemble in a specific location and receive instructions on what to do in an emergency. The muster station is the location passengers must go to during a drill or in an actual emergency. I have watched Titanic, and The Poseidon Adventure, so pay attention. OBC: Onboard credit – a credit added to your onboard account, either as a perk of booking or as compensation for an unforeseen event. Port/starboard: The nautical terms for left (port) and right (starboard). You can remember because both “left” and “port” have four letters. Tender: A small boat that ferries cruise passengers from the ship to shore when docking isn’t possible.

A public announcement will tell you when your cabin is ready. Go check it out and make sure all your luggage was delivered. I also clean with sanitizing wipes, the handles, remote control, and surfaces (don’t judge me!). Always pay attention to PAs because you will have to attend a mandatory muster drill. I

Money

Latinum matters. I have a budget and it includes some US one-dollar bills for tips – although gratuities are included with your fare, sometimes a tip for exceptional service is necessary. I left a tip to my cabin steward because we accidentally spilled syrup on the white bed cover (I was mortified). To carry your stuff, a fanny pack or a more stylish travelers’ money bag comes in handy. Don’t carry all your money with you, your cabin has a safe. Because I did not purchase celebrity guided tours, autographs, pictures, nor specialty dinner I have no advise for you except: stick to your budget!

What to Pack

On packing: it is your vacation, if you want to pack only cosplays, or just t-shirts and shorts, do it! Unlike other more formal cruises, this is a themed cruise, and therefore it is very casual. Wear what you want, be comfortable and enjoy. The way I pack is by day and chronologically, so for mornings I have pajamas, toiletries, make-up, two swimsuits (to avoid having to put on a wet suit). For the mid-day I pack comfortable shoes to walk to all of the fun panels, highlighter to pick and chose the activities of that day from the daily newspaper delivered to your room the day before, phone (or camera), a water bottle (hydrate or die-drate), any medicine, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a light sweater. Bring a beach bag or small backpack to carry your essentials and minimize travels back to your cabin. At night you should go to the shows performed by Star Trek talent: they were so entertaining, and later if you love cosplaying and partying, enjoy the theme nights! Display your best, or just go to marvel at other Trekkies’ amazing cosplays, if you have doubts about cosplaying take a listen to the fantastic Women at Warp Episode 66 “Cosplay Away.”

I also pack earplugs and a night mask. I strongly suggest taking an air refresher for your tiny and unventilated cabin bathroom; your cabin mate will thank you! The bathroom comes with an all-purpose liquid soap dispenser in the shower and next to the sink, so I was glad I took my own shampoo and conditioner.

You can store your luggage under your bed for extra room, use the laundry line in the shower to hang your wet swimsuit, and I suggest you invest on an over the door hanging organizer for toiletries, make up, hair brush, since there is not a lot of counter space. Because irons and steamers are not allowed on board, I am packing a wrinkle release spray this year. The cabin has a blow dryer and few outlets for your electronics, but if you need to charge and use more than one device, pack a power splitter.

Entertainment

Last cruise, the level of excitement and happiness was so high that by the end of the day we were exhausted, we skipped shows, panels and most of the theme parties because we fell asleep – the most expensive naps of our lives, yet we had a great time!

I am most excited about the Mirror-Mirror theme night this year and I will be cosplaying as evil Janeway from “Living Witness.”

When preparing for the voyage home, use the same packing list so you leave no Tribble behind. Be patient with lines and crowds, enjoy, relax, stay in budget, take care of yourself and see you in Risa!